The chamber was indeed filling up with the teams that had successfully navigated the Mind's Maze. Among them were Team 8, with their Ice Node bearer, and Team 3, with their surprisingly effective Plant Node duo. They had all earned their place here, and the tension was palpable as they waited for the final results.
Team 12 huddled together, sharing their experiences and strategies. The diversity of their nodes allowed them to overcome challenges that would have been insurmountable for a team with less versatility. Kai couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride in his friends' abilities, and a fierce determination to protect them.
The final countdown began, and the remaining recruits sprinted into the chamber. The room grew tense as the clock hit zero. The crystal orb in the center of the room pulsed once more, and the floor began to shake. A holographic projection of Colonel Skai appeared before them, his stern gaze sweeping over the exhausted recruits.
